How to get diversity into retail projects is one of the biggest subjects currently around the table, according to Grant Withers principal head of design, The Buchan Group.

He says Maroondah City Council’s Town Square and civic building Realm, completed in October 2015 in outer east Melbourne suburb, Ringwood, as part of the first stage of Eastland Shopping Centre’s $665m transformation, showcases a “step-change in thinking.”

The landmark project is the culmination of years of planning and development by a partnership between QIC Global Real Estate, Maroondah City Council and the state and federal governments dating back to the 90s.

This is not a shopping centre with a public space add-on. Phillip Turner, director planning and community, Maroondah City Council, says that the new civic hub will form the heart and soul of a revitalised town centre for Ringwood, and serve as a catalyst for continued private sector investment.

Notwithstanding the architectural integrity, it’s the perimeter activation and integration of Town Square and Realm with a transportation hub, high street retail and curated eat street offer referencing its local context – that’s cornerstone to the outcome, adds Chris Zidak, manager business and development and Realm.

With a vision for creating a “world-class” project, QIC Global Real Estate engaged Seventh Wave in collaboration with The Buchan Group and ACME to design Town Square and the consciously iconic civic building.

In the context of public spaces in Australia, Steven Leigh, managing director QIC Global Real Estate, Eastland developers, says Town Square and Realm create “a new benchmark in Australia for community and consumer experiences.” It’s a move that transcends the traditional retail model and looks to “the future of retail experience.”

Read the full story in Indesign Issue #64, on sale now. Subscribe here.

Photography courtesy of: Maroondah City Council